Perception results from a combination of actual data and interpretative schemata based on pre-existing knowledge. Thus, ensuing subjective experience depends on the dynamic interplay between data-driven ... [more ▼]

Perception results from a combination of actual data and interpretative schemata based on pre-existing knowledge. Thus, ensuing subjective experience depends on the dynamic interplay between data-driven and conceptually-driven processing. A chronic imbalance between these two sources of stimulus encoding is likely to be maladaptive and could underlie cognitive and behavioral disturbances similar to that observed in schizotypy, especially if the balance is tipped too far towards conceptually-driven processing (i.e., Internal encoding style). This study aimed to examine the relationships between encoding style and various dimensions of schizotypy, by using a questionnaire that evaluates the extent to which pre-existing schemata (versus cues from the outside world) affect encoding processes. Consistent with previous findings, our results revealed that both Cognitive-Perceptual and Disorganization dimensions were related to an internal mode of encoding, suggesting that individuals with these features may be characterized by a disposition to biases at early stages of encoding. [less ▲]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular for those activities requiring multitasking capacities. Multitasking refers to ... [more ▼]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular for those activities requiring multitasking capacities. Multitasking refers to activities (e.g. preparing a meal) where the person has to: (a) carry out and alternate between different tasks that vary in terms of priority, difficulty and duration; (b) define the tasks’ targets; (c) and face unexpected problems during the realization of these tasks. Moreover, schizophrenia is characterized by a great heterogeneity in regard to their everyday life difficulties and cognitive functioning. At present, patients’ multitasking capacities have not been adequately examined in the literature due to an absence of suitable assessment strategies. We thus recently developed a computerized real-life activity task designed to take into account the complex and multitasking nature of certain everyday life activities where participants are required to prepare a room for a meeting (i.e. the Computerized Meeting Preparation Task, CMPT). The aim of this study was to examine the multitasking abilities in persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and in particular the existence of subgroups of patients in regard to their performances on cognitive measures and on the CMPT. Sixty-two patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 39 paired healthy controls completed the CMPT and a cognitive battery. The results reveal that the CMPT possesses good sensitivity and suggest three underlying constructs of multitasking (Memory, Planning and Intent), which were found to be underpinned by several cognitive functions and multitasking aspects. Moreover, cluster analyses revealed subgroups of patients differing in terms of their cognitive and CMPT performances. Taken together, these results show the need for a cognitive model of multitasking abilities in persons diagnosed with schiozphrenia. Taken together, this cognitive model and the CMPT, could be a good basis for cognitive interventions of multitasking abilities in schizophrenia. Finally, the results underline the heterogeneity of schizophrenia. [less ▲]

Introduction There is now solid evidence for a relation between Adverse Life Events (ALE) and psychotic symptoms in both patients with psychosis and in the general population. A recent study has shown ... [more ▼]

Introduction There is now solid evidence for a relation between Adverse Life Events (ALE) and psychotic symptoms in both patients with psychosis and in the general population. A recent study has shown that this relation may be partially mediated by stress sensitivity. However, other factors that may mediate this relation, such as emotion regulation strategies, have not yet been examined in the literature. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the mediation effect of both emotion regulation strategies and stress sensitivity in the relation between ALE and attenuated positive psychotic symptoms in the general population. Results Results demonstrated that the relation between ALE and attenuated positive psychotic symptoms (i.e. hallucinations and delusions) was mediated by maladaptive emotion regulations strategies. Discussion Although it is most likely that there are several possible trajectories leading to the formation of positive psychotic symptoms, the results of the present study suggest that one such trajectory may involve the maladaptive regulation of negative emotions alongside a certain vulnerability after experiencing highly distressing ALE. Hence, interventions aiming to enhance adaptive emotion regulation strategies and diminish the utilization of maladaptive strategies should be regarded as an integral part of psychological treatment schemes in the context of psychotic symptoms. Conclusion In summary, the present study demonstrated that the relation between ALE and attenuated positive psychotic symptoms is mediated by maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. [less ▲]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular during multitasking activities (Semkovska et al., 2010). Multitasking refers to ... [more ▼]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular during multitasking activities (Semkovska et al., 2010). Multitasking refers to activities (e.g. preparing a meal) where the person has to: (a) carry out and alternate between different tasks that vary in terms of priority, difficulty and duration; (b) define the tasks’ targets; (c) and where the person is faced with unexpected problems during the realization of these tasks (Burgess, 2000). However, the cognitive underpinnings of multitasking abilities have never been adequately explored in schizophrenia. Further, only two cognitive models exist in the literature, which are based on student (Logie et al., 2011) and neurological (Burgess et al., 2000) samples. Both of these models suggest three primary constructs: Memory, Planning and Intent. There are, however, several limitations related to the way multitasking abilities were evaluated in these studies. We thus developed a computerized real-life activity task - the Computerized Meeting Preparation Task (CPMT), which was specifically designed to take into account the multitasking nature of certain everyday life activities. Using this task, and based on previous studies (Burgess et al., 2000; Logie et al., 2011), the aim of the present study was to evaluate multitasking abilities in schizophrenia and to do so in a new cognitive model of multitasking that takes into account certain cognitive functions that are not integrated in existing models. Methods: Fifty-seven individuals with schizophrenia and 41 matched healthy controls completed the CMPT. Participants were also evaluated with a battery of cognitive tests. Results: The results suggest that the CMPT possesses good sensitivity and confirmed the three underlying constructs of multitasking (Memory, Planning and Intent), which were found to be underpinned by several cognitive functions and multitasking aspects. Conclusion: Taken together, this new cognitive model and the CMPT could be a good basis for cognitive interventions of multitasking abilities in schizophrenia. Burgess, P.W., 2000. Strategy application disorder: the role of the frontal lobes in human multitasking. Psychol Res 63, 279-288. Logie, R., et al., 2011. Multitasking: multiple, domain-specific cognitive functions in a virtual environment. Mem Cogn 39, 1561-1574. Semkovska, M. et al., 2004. Assessment of executive dysfunction during activities of daily living in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 69, 289-300. [less ▲]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular during multitasking activities (Semkovska et al., 2010). Multitasking refers to ... [more ▼]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular during multitasking activities (Semkovska et al., 2010). Multitasking refers to activities (e.g. preparing a meal) where the person has to: (a) carry out and alternate between different tasks that vary in terms of priority, difficulty and duration; (b) define the tasks’ targets; (c) and where the person is faced with unexpected problems during the realization of these tasks (Burgess, 2000). However, the cognitive underpinnings of multitasking abilities have never been adequately explored in schizophrenia. Further, only two cognitive models exist in the literature, which are based on student (Logie et al., 2011) and neurological (Burgess et al., 2000) samples. Both of these models suggest three primary constructs: Memory, Planning and Intent. There are, however, several limitations related to the way multitasking abilities were evaluated in these studies. We thus developed a computerized real-life activity task - the Computerized Meeting Preparation Task (CPMT), which was specifically designed to take into account the multitasking nature of certain everyday life activities. Using this task, and based on previous studies (Burgess et al., 2000; Logie et al., 2011), the aim of the present study was to evaluate multitasking abilities in schizophrenia and to do so in a new cognitive model of multitasking that takes into account certain cognitive functions that are not integrated in existing models. Methods: Fifty-seven individuals with schizophrenia and 41 matched healthy controls completed the CMPT. Participants were also evaluated with a battery of cognitive tests. Results: The results suggest that the CMPT possesses good sensitivity and confirmed the three underlying constructs of multitasking (Memory, Planning and Intent), which were found to be underpinned by several cognitive functions and multitasking aspects. Conclusion: Taken together, this new cognitive model and the CMPT could be a good basis for cognitive interventions of multitasking abilities in schizophrenia. Burgess, P.W., 2000. Strategy application disorder: the role of the frontal lobes in human multitasking. Psychol Res 63, 279-288. Logie, R., et al., 2011. Multitasking: multiple, domain-specific cognitive functions in a virtual environment. Mem Cogn 39, 1561-1574. Semkovska, M. et al., 2004. Assessment of executive dysfunction during activities of daily living in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 69, 289-300. [less ▲]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular for those activities requiring multitasking capacities. Multitasking refers to ... [more ▼]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular for those activities requiring multitasking capacities. Multitasking refers to activities (e.g. preparing a meal) where the person has to: (a) carry out and alternate between different tasks that vary in terms of priority, difficulty and duration; (b) define the tasks’ targets; (c) and face unexpected problems during the realization of these tasks. Moreover, schizophrenia is characterized by a great heterogeneity in regard to their everyday life difficulties and cognitive functioning. At present, patients’ multitasking capacities have not been adequately examined in the literature due to an absence of suitable assessment strategies. We thus recently developed a computerized real-life activity task designed to take into account the complex and multitasking nature of certain everyday life activities where participants are required to prepare a room for a meeting (i.e. the Computerized Meeting Preparation Task, CMPT). The aim of this study was to examine the multitasking abilities in persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and in particular the existence of subgroups of patients in regard to their performances on cognitive measures and on the CMPT. Sixty-two patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 39 paired healthy controls completed the CMPT and a cognitive battery. The results reveal that the CMPT possesses good sensitivity and suggest three underlying constructs of multitasking (Memory, Planning and Intent), which were found to be underpinned by several cognitive functions and multitasking aspects. Moreover, cluster analyses revealed subgroups of patients differing in terms of their cognitive and CMPT performances. Taken together, these results show the need for a cognitive model of multitasking abilities in persons diagnosed with schiozphrenia. Taken together, this cognitive model and the CMPT, could be a good basis for cognitive interventions of multitasking abilities in schizophrenia. Finally, the results underline the heterogeneity of schizophrenia. [less ▲]

Persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder and alcohol dependency are frequently subject to cognitive impairments and encounter difficulties during everyday life activities. However, little is known how ... [more ▼]

Persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder and alcohol dependency are frequently subject to cognitive impairments and encounter difficulties during everyday life activities. However, little is known how these deficits interact in real life. Moreover, previous studies have primarily used questionnaires or observational methods to assess everyday life functioning, both of which contain a number of limits. In order to address some of these limits, we developed a computerized real-life activity task, in particular, a shopping task where participants are required to shop for a list of 8 grocery store items in a virtual supermarket. Twenty individuals diagnosed with alcoholic dependence and 21 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder were compared with healthy controls (20 and 21, respectively), matched for age, sex and educational level. All participants completed the shopping task, and both clinical groups were evaluated with an extensive battery of cognitive tests (assessing executive functioning, attention, processing speed and memory), clinical scales and a measure of real world functioning. Results showed that, for both clinical groups, performance on the computerized shopping task significantly differentiated patients and healthy controls for a number of variables, especially total time to complete the shopping task. Performances on shopping task variables, in both clinical groups, were also significantly correlated with cognitive tests measuring processing speed, episodic memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibition. Finally, performances on the computerized shopping task were significantly correlated with real world functioning in both patient groups. These findings suggest that the computerized task used in the present study provides a valid indication of the level of real world functioning for these clinical populations, and therefore may be viewed as a valuable instrument in both an evaluation and remediation context. [less ▲]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular during multitasking activities. Multitasking refers to activities where the person has ... [more ▼]

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, and in particular during multitasking activities. Multitasking refers to activities where the person has to: carry out and alternate between different tasks that vary in terms of priority, difficulty and duration; define the tasks’ targets; and where the person is faced with unexpected problems during the realization of these tasks (Burgess, 2000). However, the neurocognitive underpinnings of multitasking have never been explored in schizophrenia. Further, only two cognitive models exist in the literature, based on a student sample (Logie et al., 2011) and a neurological sample (Burgess et al., 2000). Both of these models suggest three primary constructs including Memory, Planning and Intent. However, there are several limitations related to the way multitasking was evaluated in these studies. We thus developed a computerized real-life activity task designed to take into account the multitasking nature of certain everyday life activities where participants are required to prepare a room for a meeting – the Computerized Meeting Preparation Task (CMPT). Using this new task, and based on previous studies (Burgess et al., 2000; Logie et al., 2011), the aim of the present study was to evaluate a new cognitive model of multitasking ability and that takes into account certain cognitive processes that are not integrated in existing models. Fifty-seven individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 41 matched healthy controls completed the CMPT. Participants were also evaluated with a battery of cognitive tests. The results suggest that the CMPT has a good sensitivity. Moreover, structural equation modelling confirmed the three underlying constructs of multitasking (Memory, Planning and Intent) which are underpinned by several cognitive functions and multitasking aspects. Taken together, this new cognitive model and the CMPT could be a good basis for cognitive intervention on multitasking. [less ▲]

Introduction: Negative symptomatology and cognitive impairments are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia that have a major negative impact on everyday life functioning. Further, some ... [more ▼]

Introduction: Negative symptomatology and cognitive impairments are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia that have a major negative impact on everyday life functioning. Further, some authors (Konstantakopoulos et al., 2011) have suggested that negative symptoms and executive functions might represent different manifestations of the same syndrome, but this relation remains poorly understood. Objective: The objective was to explore relations between negative symptomatology (and in particular apathy) and executive functions in persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Method: Twenty-seven individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were evaluated with an extensive executive battery in addition to several measures of negative symptomatology (including specific measures of apathy) and real world functioning. Results: Results revealed that apathy was significantly related to measures of initiation (i.e. verbal fluency) and everyday life functioning. Moreover, more general measures of negative symptomatology were significantly related to multitasking abilities and cognitive flexibility. Discussion: In this study, we assessed the relations between negative symptomatology and executive measures. The results confirmed the links between these constructs, thus suggesting a common neural substrate. Conclusion: Based on results from the present study, executive dysfunctions and negative symptomatology may be seen as representing different manifestations of the same syndrome. [less ▲]

Background: Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Moreover, patients seem to demonstrate particular difficulties during complex and ... [more ▼]

Background: Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Moreover, patients seem to demonstrate particular difficulties during complex and multitasking activities, such as cooking a meal (Semkovska et al., 2004). Multitasking refers to activities where the person has to: carry out and alternate between different tasks that vary in terms of priority, difficulty and duration; define the tasks’ targets; and where the person is faced with unexpected problems during the realization of these tasks (Burgess, 2000). However, at present, patients’ multitasking capacities have not been adequately examined in the literature due to an absence of suitable assessment strategies. We thus recently developed a computerized real-life activity task designed to take into account the complex and multitasking nature of certain everyday life activities where participants are required to prepare a room for a meeting – the Computerized Meeting Preparation Task (CMPT) Methods: Twenty-one individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 20 matched healthy controls completed the CMPT. During the CMPT, participants found themselves in a virtual room that they had to prepare for a meeting while respecting a list of instructions (the placement of the guests, the needed objects, the desired drinks, etc.). Patients were also evaluated with an extensive cognitive battery (assessing executive functions, attention, processing speed and memory), measures of symptomatology and real world functioning. To examine the ecological validity of the CMPT, 14 others patients were recruited and were given the computerized version and a real version of the meeting preparation task. Results: Results demonstrated that performance on the CMPT significantly differentiated patients and healthy controls for the total time to complete task, planning efficiency, and the respect of the instructions. Moreover, these variables were significantly correlated with executive functioning (i.e. cognitive flexibility and planning), suggesting the major implication of these cognitive processes in multitasking activities. Performance on the CMPT also significantly predicted up to 50% of real world functioning. Finally, performances on the computerized version and the real version of the meeting preparation task were highly correlated, suggesting good ecological validity. Discussion: In this study, we created a novel task involving the multitasking nature of real world activities. The results demonstrated that this approach provides a good indication of the real world functioning in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Moreover, results suggest a particular implication of executive functioning in multitasking activities. These findings suggest the importance of evaluating multitasking capacities in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in order to predict real world functioning. [less ▲]

Background: Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Moreover, patients seem to demonstrate particular difficulties during complex and ... [more ▼]

Background: Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Moreover, patients seem to demonstrate particular difficulties during complex and multitasking activities, such as cooking a meal (Semkovska et al., 2004). Multitasking refers to activities where the person has to: carry out and alternate between different tasks that vary in terms of priority, difficulty and duration; define the tasks’ targets; and where the person is faced with unexpected problems during the realization of these tasks (Burgess, 2000). However, at present, patients’ multitasking capacities have not been adequately examined in the literature due to an absence of suitable assessment strategies. We thus recently developed a computerized real-life activity task designed to take into account the complex and multitasking nature of certain everyday life activities where participants are required to prepare a room for a meeting – the Computerized Meeting Preparation Task (CMPT) Methods: Twenty-one individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 20 matched healthy controls completed the CMPT. During the CMPT, participants found themselves in a virtual room that they had to prepare for a meeting while respecting a list of instructions (the placement of the guests, the needed objects, the desired drinks, etc.). Patients were also evaluated with an extensive cognitive battery (assessing executive functions, attention, processing speed and memory), measures of symptomatology and real world functioning. To examine the ecological validity of the CMPT, 14 others patients were recruited and were given the computerized version and a real version of the meeting preparation task. Results: Results demonstrated that performance on the CMPT significantly differentiated patients and healthy controls for the total time to complete task, planning efficiency, and the respect of the instructions. Moreover, these variables were significantly correlated with executive functioning (i.e. cognitive flexibility and planning), suggesting the major implication of these cognitive processes in multitasking activities. Performance on the CMPT also significantly predicted up to 50% of real world functioning. Finally, performances on the computerized version and the real version of the meeting preparation task were highly correlated, suggesting good ecological validity. Discussion: In this study, we created a novel task involving the multitasking nature of real world activities. The results demonstrated that this approach provides a good indication of the real world functioning in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Moreover, results suggest a particular implication of executive functioning in multitasking activities. These findings suggest the importance of evaluating multitasking capacities in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in order to predict real world functioning. [less ▲]

A decrease in the level of engagement in activities (“behavioral activation”) is usually observed in major depressive disorder. Because behavioral treatments of depression aim to counteract that mechanism ... [more ▼]

A decrease in the level of engagement in activities (“behavioral activation”) is usually observed in major depressive disorder. Because behavioral treatments of depression aim to counteract that mechanism, assessing changes in behavioral activation during treatment is of great interest. Therefore, Manos et al. (2011) developed a scale that assesses these changes, which was called the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale – Short Form (BADS-SF). The aim of this study is to present a French version of this scale and to discuss its psychometric properties. The BADS-SF was translated into French, and 504 non-clinical adults completed an online survey that was composed of that scale and convergent measures. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed in two independent samples, and a two-factor solution was recommended, which references two functions of the engagement in activities (i.e., “activation” and “avoidance”). The results showed high levels of internal consistency and satisfying scores in terms of skewness and kurtosis. Moreover, relationships with measures of depression and behavioral systems indicated a good convergent validity. Therefore, the French BADS-SF can be seen as a reliable and valid instrument. [less ▲]